Hologram trade body IHMA opens membership to all OVD suppliers

The move sees the IHMA accept applications for membership from all security optical variable device (OVD) suppliers. This comes as the organisation continues to strengthen its position as a leading authority on commercial authentication, ID security and packaging augmentation technologies.

Originally open to hologram suppliers, membership has now been extended to include the providers of material and equipment as well as finishers and converters. Associate membership has also been refocused to ensure research organisations and other Trade Associations can benefit from the IHMA’s work at the forefront of developing new applications and spearheading the opening of new markets for holograms.

As previously reported by Security Matters, the Hologram Image Register was recently expanded and rebranded as the Security Image Register (SIR), duly reflecting the changing dynamics of the global security printing industry and security features, including all optically variable security features.

Developments in new anti-counterfeiting technologies such as micro-lenses, micro-mirrors and plasmonics, which all require new foils, different manufacturing processes and different originating technologies, will reshape the industry and drive the growth of holograms in the next few years.

Anti-counterfeiting solutions

According to the organisation’s chair Dr Mark Deakes, including all security OVD suppliers witnesses the IHMA continuing to grow and expand its membership base.

Deakes noted: “In these exciting times for holography, the IHMA’s Board felt it apt to make full membership available to all OVD suppliers. The move reflects the changing dynamics of the global hologram and security print industries, where holograms are increasingly being integrated with other optically variable devices to provide advanced anti-counterfeiting solutions.”

Deakes continued: “For example, the new-look SIR represents a beneficial step forward, more accurately reflecting the way in which holograms and other OVDs are designed and used, in turn undoubtedly facilitating an increase in the registration of images to secure their integrity.”

New members will be able to benefit from a package of support delivered by the IHMA that includes the use of the SIR, access to industry publications and regular tender alerts, in addition to patent-focused newsletters.

*Further information is available online at www.ihma.org